“We’d like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to Peter Bildsten for four years of great service to the state of Wisconsin, leading the Department of Financial Institutions, and wish him well in his future endeavors,” Governor Walker said. “I would also like to congratulate Ray and Matt. Both are proven leaders, dedicated to reforming state government to operate effectively, making the best use of state tax dollars. I welcome both of them to their new roles, and look forward to continued innovation as we build a better Wisconsin, together.”

Milwaukee – Governor Scott Walker addressed attendees today at the Manufacturing Matters! 2015 Conference, held at the Hyatt Regency in Milwaukee. The annual conference, hosted by Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP), is held to bring together manufacturing company executives as well as state and local leaders and allow them the opportunity to collaborate and discuss relevant manufacturing topics and ideas.

“Manufacturing is a vital part of Wisconsin’s economy and at the heart of our economic recovery,” Governor Walker said. “As I travel the state, I continually hear employers say they would take on more work, if they could fill the positions already available. That is why our budget proposal continues to invest in worker training and economic development, while holding the line on taxes for small businesses and working families.”

Madison –Wisconsin businesses interested in expanding their exporting efforts in Western Europe are invited to join Governor Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) for a trade mission to Germany, France and Spain in April.

“This trade mission provides an outstanding opportunity for companies to conduct in-person business meetings with potential business partners and to develop key relationships that can lead to additional overseas sales,” Governor Walker said. “Last year, Wisconsin companies exported a record number of products overseas as more businesses recognized the importance of being part of the global economy. Trips such as this are one way that state businesses can build upon that success.”

Madison – Today, Governor Scott announced the Wisconsin employment partners that will participate as new sites in the Project SEARCH program, which helps young adults with disabilities gain employment training and skills to enter the workforce.

Today's events took place at Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids and St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay as they announced their new partnership with the Project SEARCH program. The phase of this Project SEARCH expansion, part of Governor Walker's Blueprint for Prosperity initiative, doubles the number of Wisconsin sites from the current seven to 14.

"The businesses and organizations taking part in this expansion will provide opportunities for students with disabilities to learn skills that help them succeed in the workforce and move toward greater independence," Governor Walker said. "At the same time, the employers will see firsthand how hiring people with disabilities can improve their bottom line."

Madison –Today, Governor Scott Walker announced the state is accepting nominations for the 32nd annual Virginia Hart Special Recognition Award. This award recognizes the “unsung heroines” of state service.

“Since 1983, the Virginia Hart Special Recognition Award has been a great way to recognize outstanding women serving the state,” said Governor Walker. “I encourage everyone who knows someone who goes above and beyond in their position, working for the state of Wisconsin, to tell us their story and submit a nomination.”